All Pro Smog is a smog check service, not a product you install on your car

All Pro Smog is a chain of smog testing stations, primarily in California, that performs emissions inspections required by the state. They do not sell aftermarket parts or accessories — they run the diagnostic equipment that tests whether your vehicle's exhaust meets California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards. If you arrived here looking for exterior styling parts, you may have been redirected by mistake.

If you do need a smog check, All Pro operates hundreds of locations across California and can schedule an appointment online or by phone. The test itself takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs between $30 and $80 depending on your vehicle type and location. You'll receive a pass or fail certificate when ready, which you then submit to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to renew your registration.

Key Takeaways

  • All Pro Smog performs state-mandated emissions testing in California, not exterior modifications or accessories.
  • A smog check is required every two years in most California counties when you renew your vehicle registration.
  • The test costs $30 to $80 and takes 30 to 45 minutes; you receive a pass or fail certificate on the same day.
  • If your vehicle fails, All Pro can identify which emissions systems need repair, but you must take it elsewhere for actual fixes.
  • You can find your nearest All Pro location and book an appointment through their website or by calling ahead.

When California requires a smog check

California law requires a smog check every two years when you renew your vehicle registration, with some exceptions. Vehicles newer than four model years old are exempt. Vehicles older than 1975 are also exempt. Diesel trucks registered after 1997 and gasoline vehicles registered after 1974 must pass, but the exact rules depend on your vehicle's model year and registration county.

If you move to California from another state, you'll need a smog check before you can register your vehicle here, even if it's brand new. The test must happen within 30 days of your move. Some counties in the San Francisco Bay Area and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) region have stricter rules and may require checks more frequently or for newer vehicles.

What happens during an All Pro Smog test

The technician will connect your vehicle to a dynamometer or tailpipe analyzer, depending on the test type. For most vehicles, this is the OBD-II test, which reads your vehicle's onboard diagnostic computer to check emissions data. The technician may also perform a visual inspection of your emissions equipment and fuel cap. The entire process takes 30 to 45 minutes.

You'll receive a pass or fail result when ready. If you pass, you get a certificate that's valid for 30 days — you have that window to submit it to the DMV to renew your registration. If you fail, the certificate shows which emissions systems are out of spec. You then need to take your vehicle to a repair shop to fix those systems before retesting.

What to do if your vehicle fails the smog check

A failed smog check means one or more of your emissions systems is not meeting California standards. Common reasons include a faulty oxygen sensor, a malfunctioning catalytic converter, a loose fuel cap, or an engine control module problem. All Pro will tell you which system failed, but they do not perform repairs — you must take your vehicle to a repair shop.

California law allows you to retest at any smog station after repairs, not necessarily at All Pro. Some repair shops have their own testing equipment and can retest when ready after fixing the problem. If repairs cost more than $500 and your vehicle is older than 1998, you may be may be able to access for the Consumer information Program (CAP), which can help cover repair costs. Check the California Bureau of Automotive Repair website to see if your vehicle qualifies.

How to schedule an All Pro Smog appointment

Visit the All Pro Smog website and enter your zip code to find the nearest location. Most locations allow you to book online and select a time slot. You can also call ahead — walk-ins are accepted but may have longer wait times during peak hours (typically late afternoon and weekends).

Bring your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. Your vehicle should be in good running condition — if the check engine light is on, the test may be postponed until you have it diagnosed. Arrive with a full fuel tank or at least three-quarters full, as some tests require the vehicle to run for several minutes.

Smog check costs and what affects the price

All Pro Smog charges between $30 and $80 per test, depending on your vehicle type and location. Basic passenger cars are typically on the lower end. Trucks, SUVs, and vehicles with specialized emissions equipment cost more. Some locations charge extra for retests if you fail the first time — ask when you book whether retests are included or cost additional.

The price you see online may not include local taxes, which vary by county. If you fail and need to retest at a different station, you'll pay that station's fee separately. There is no "discount" for multiple tests or bulk testing — each test is charged individually.

Alternatives if All Pro is not convenient

California has hundreds of smog check stations beyond All Pro. You can find any CARB-certified station through the Bureau of Automotive Repair's online locator. Independent repair shops, tire shops, and quick-lube facilities often perform smog checks and may have shorter wait times or more convenient hours than All Pro locations.

Prices and hours vary by station. Some independent shops may charge less than All Pro, while others charge more. The test result is valid at any station and accepted by the DMV regardless of where you had it performed — the only difference is convenience and price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a smog check extension if I can't pass the test?

California allows a 60-day extension if you have a failed smog check and proof that you've paid for repairs. You must submit the failed certificate and a repair invoice to the DMV. The extension gives you time to complete repairs and retest, but you cannot renew your registration until you pass.

What if my vehicle is too old to test?

Vehicles manufactured before 1975 are permanently exempt from smog checks in California. Vehicles from 1975 to 1979 may be exempt depending on your county — check the Bureau of Automotive Repair website for your specific location. You'll still need to renew your registration, but you won't need a smog certificate.

How long is a smog check certificate valid?

A passing smog check certificate is valid for 30 days. You must submit it to the DMV within that window to renew your registration. If the 30 days expire, you'll need to retest. A failed certificate is also valid for 30 days, giving you time to make repairs and retest.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

All Pro accepts both appointments and walk-ins. Booking online or by phone is faster and guarantees a time slot. Walk-ins are welcome but may wait 30 minutes to an hour during busy times, especially on weekends and after 4 p.m. on weekdays.

What happens if I drive with an expired smog check?

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in California and can result in a citation and fine. Your registration expires if you don't submit a passing smog check within 30 days of the test date. Renew your registration when ready after you pass to avoid penalties.